THOUGHTS FROM THE HELM, AUGUST 2022

Many of us are getting ready to send our kids back to school next week (not sure how that happened so quickly), which means summer is coming to an end. There has been a lot going on in our industry recently, such as plans for managed mooring fields and contention over bridge openings. The MIAPBC wrote letters regarding each of these issues, which you can find HERE and HERE. I attended the event coordinated by Congressman Brian Mast in Stuart to rally boats near the St. Lucie River Railroad Bridge to figure out how many could pass under the bridge in a 15-minute span. The USCG decision is still pending on whether there will be one or two 15-minute minute openings (MIAPBC requested there be two).

We have some very exciting news to announce regarding the Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade! We would like to officially announce our new presenting sponsor Compass, a national real estate firm with locations here in South Florida! This is their first year participating in the PBHBP and hopefully the start of a new tradition for many years to come. Welcome aboard, Compass!

I want to give a big shout out to ANGARI Foundation and all the good work they are doing, led by Captain Angela Rosenberg. They have been working with Florida International University shark researchers to do expeditions where sharks of all species can be caught, tagged, and released. The researchers obtain a small sample of a shark to determine DNA, nutrition, and more. I was invited on a recent expedition, along with a group of students from Roosevelt Middle School, to experience firsthand what these researchers and crew do. Unfortunately, no sharks were caught that day but it was still fun throwing the baited lines and buoys and pulling them all up with anticipation of what could be on the other end.

Last but not least, we are busy planning a member dinner and legislative update for September 27 when we will also recognize several members with 10-year anniversaries. Please take a moment to nominate a Member of the Year, which is due by the end of the week. You can find the nomination form below with more info.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

ALYSSA FREEMAN
Executive Director

Marine Industries Association of
Palm Beach County, Inc.
1208 US Highway 1, Suite B
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
Office: 561-863-0012